NEWS & UPDATES

December 22, 2017

The BC government has initiated a review of the professional reliance model in the natural resource sector. Many BCGEU members' day-to-day is shaped by this regulatory model.
The professional reliance model effectively lets the "fox guard the henhouse," leading – in some cases - to the mismanagement of our resources and harm to the environment. Combined with deep staff and funding cuts to respo...

December 21, 2017

Nominations are now open for the following positions on the Local Executive:
Local Chairperson
1st Vice Chairperson
2nd Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Recorder
Member at Large, Young Worker
Member at Large
The term is for three years. Information on the responsibilities and activities of each office is available from your Area Office.
The nomination period is for December 20, 2017 to January 19, ...

December 21, 2017

On January 4, 2018, nominations open for the following positions on the Local Executive:
- Chairperson- 1st Vice Chair- 2nd Vice Chair- Treasurer- Recording Secretary- Member at Large
The term is three years. Information on the responsibilities and activities of each office is available from your Area Office.
The deadline for nominations is: Monday, February 5, 2018
If there is an election fo...

December 20, 2017

BC Government & Service Employees' Union workers employed at Esquimalt Drydock Company will begin work on a B.C. Ferries contract worth $20 million to refit the Northern Sea Wolf. The 17-year-old vessel will accommodate approximately 3,500 passengers and 1,200 vehicles each year on a route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola.
Members at Esquimalt Drydock have extensive experience in ship rep...

December 19, 2017

This year's fire season is far behind us and while recent winter storms have made many in the province forget about this summer's devastation, many communities are still working to rebuild what was lost in the fire.
As we see the devastation that fires are currently causing across California and as we look back at the lessons learned over the summer, the BCGEU would like to thank and recognize...

December 15, 2017

On Thursday, December 14, 2017, the B.C. Seniors Advocate released the annual Monitoring Seniors' Services report. Their findings present further evidence that the B.C. government has to reverse the policies of austerity implemented under the BC Liberals. B.C.'s seniors need significant reinvestment in community services and affordable housing to undo the resulting increase in poverty now faced...

December 15, 2017

With the B.C. Government's review of professional reliance across many industries underway, the BCGEU has released a short paper about compliance and enforcement in B.C.’s forests. Check it out below and be sure to share it with your networks.

December 14, 2017

Thanks very much to all those members who returned their questionnaires for review by the Bargaining Committee. These questionnaires will be used by the Bargaining Committee to help determine bargaining priorities.
For those of you that have not had the chance to send one in, we are extending the deadline. We noticed that some offices did not send in a response and we strongly encourage you t...

December 11, 2017

Today the report, A Human Rights Commission for the 21st Century: British Columbians talk about Human Rights was released detailing 25 recommendations to government as they re-establish the BC Human Rights Commission (dismantled in 2002 by the previous Liberal government).
The report recommends to B.C.'s Attorney General that the new commission be built on four important pillars in order to cre...

December 11, 2017

The BCGEU is disappointed by the provincial government's decision today to complete the Site C dam despite findings by the BC Utilities Commission that question the economic viability of the project.
In 2015 the union took a position against the construction of the dam citing economic and environmental concerns as well infringement on First Nations' rights. This decision demonstrates the work s...

December 07, 2017

It is with tremendous sadness to learn of the passing of Tsleil-Waututh leader, Leonard George.
Leonard, served as Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh nation, was an iconic leader and teacher to thousands of people across British Columbia. In his special way, he was able to build bridges between communities and encouraged everyone to work together as one. His knowledge and wisdom drew many to his side ...

December 07, 2017

Today, December 7, is the final day to provide submissions to B.C.'s Fair Wages Commission. The BCGEU would like to mark this date by calling for the immediate implementation of a $15 per hour minimum wage for all workers in our province.
The BCGEU is a tireless advocate for fair wages for all workers. Daily, BCGEU members providing health and social services confront the consequences of low wa...

December 07, 2017

Union activists from across the province gathered in Surrey BC this week to discuss important issues for Component 1 members.We reviewed grievance arbitration, short term illness and injury plan (STIIP) and long term disability (LTD) issues, gangs and threats, pensions and more. We also were updated on the progress of sheriff retention and recruitment efforts. Attorney General David Eby sent a ...

December 07, 2017

Union activists from across the province gathered in Surrey BC this week to discuss important issues for Component 1 members.We reviewed grievance arbitration, short term illness and injury plan (STIIP) and long term disability (LTD) issues, gangs and threats, pensions and more. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth sent a video message of support to the conference, ...

December 06, 2017

I am saddened today to inform BCGEU members and staff that long-time former employee Maureen Headley passed away on Monday December 4 after a long fight with cancer.
Maureen worked at the BCGEU for over 12 years. She served BCGEU members as an organizer, as the assistant director of Membership Records, and as both assistant director and later as director of the Collective Bargaining & Arbit...

December 05, 2017

December 5, 2017 BC's Liquor Distribution Branch the right choice to manage cannabis The B.C. government's decision to make the Liquor Distribution Branch responsible for the distribution of non-medical cannabis is the right choice for British Columbia, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union said today. "We applaud the BC government's decision to warehouse and distribute cannabis...